I’m online shopping my way through the pandemic

The dog jumped up on the couch, barking like crazy.

I peeked through the blinds that I keep closed against the heat. A little thrill ran through me.

A UPS truck had just pulled up.

Now, I haven’t owned a pizza cutter in 20 years, but the other night, as I pulled a pepperoni pizza out of the oven, I decided I needed one.

I picked up my phone, tapped on the Amazon app, and found a pizza cutter with a 4-inch stainless steel wheel. Perfect.

Now it was here.

I’m not normally much of a shopper. I go into a store, get what I need and get out.

But during the pandemic, it’s been a different story.

I’ve been shopping online. A lot.

Two of my cousin Kasey’s kids had birthdays, so I ordered an entomologist Barbie for Brayleigh, who’s 7, and a play veterinarian kit for Evie, 5.

A few days later, I decided I needed a pair of hiking boots, even though I’ve only hiked once in four months. Add to cart.

It seems like everything is on sale. Seventy-five percent off at Old Navy. Buy one, get one free. Free shipping.

When wind shredded the red sun shade over the front porch, I ordered another, also on sale.

A thermometer. A four-pack of reading glasses.

It’s not like I have money to spare, not after three weeks of unpaid furlough in three months. Yet here I am, clicking on “37 Awesome Finds Under $20 On Amazon.”

Add to cart. And that. It gives me something to look forward to.

I helped online sales reach $73.2 billion in June, up 76% compared to this time last year, according to Adobe Analytics.

Outside, I called “Thank you!” to the UPS driver as he climbed back into his truck.

“See you tomorrow!”